Top 10 Budget Luxury Destinations for Five-Star Stays from £70 a Night

Luxury holidays do not have to break the bank, according to new research. The top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed, with some high-end accommodations available for as little as £70 a night.

Research Findings

The findings emerged from Hotels.com's 2026 Hotel Price Index, compiled using internal reservation data and a worldwide survey of 11,000 travellers across the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and South Korea.

Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish commented: "Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they are also getting smarter. With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs."

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Affordable Luxury Destinations

The study shows that luxury breaks in Croatia, Estonia, Zaragoza (Spain), and Bulgaria can be secured for under £150 per night. Other affordable yet luxurious hot spots include stays in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130), and Riga, Latvia (£130). Five-star options are also available in the UK, such as in Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135), and Liverpool (£170).

Price Drops and Savings

Alongside identifying the most budget-friendly destinations, the research highlighted 10 locations experiencing significant price reductions over the past year. These include Loire, France (down 32%), Edmonton, Canada (down 31%), St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30%), Dortmund, Germany (down 21%), and Turin, Italy (down 21%).

Remarkably, travellers can cut costs by making last-minute reservations, with accommodation rates up to 26% cheaper when booking close to departure. For those seeking further savings, prices are 14% lower for Sunday stays, while Saturdays prove the most costly. Escaping in January provides the most economical rates, while the second week of July commands the steepest prices, at least within the UK.

Luxury Wish List

Hotels.com's global study, carried out through OnePoll, also revealed what tops everyone's luxury dream wish list: a hot tub with a view (44%), followed by a penthouse suite (41%). When asked what they consider a truly luxury hotel to offer, great food at the hotel (31%), a room with a view (30%), and premium in-room amenities (28%) came top.